Inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy in the adolescent: technique and preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
In large series of adults microsurgical varicocelectomy has been associated with extremely high success rates, combined with minimal incidence of postoperative hydrocele. We report our initial experience of inguinal varicocelectomy using an intraoperative microscope in adolescents.


METHODS
From 1994 to 1996, 32 adolescents (mean age 15.3 years) underwent inguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. An operative microscope and Doppler probe were used during spermatic cord dissection to identify and preserve the testicular artery and lymphatics.


RESULTS
All patients were available for followup, which ranged from 2 to 35 months (mean 20). There were no intraoperative complications. A temporary reactive hydrocele, which subsequently completely resolved, was observed in 1 patient. There were no palpable recurrent varicoceles.


CONCLUSIONS
The operative microscope permits reliable identification of the testicular artery and lymphatics, as well as venous channels in adolescents. As a result, the postoperative development of hydrocele or recurrence of the varicocele may be prevented.
Minevich
E
E
Division of Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Wacksman
J
J
Lewis
A G
AG
Sheldon
C A
CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014646:Varicocele / Q000601:surgery*